10 Myths about Stretch Marks

There is no such thing as a perfect body, a perfect skin or perfect hair because there is no such thing as perfection. There are healthy bodies, healthy skin and healthy hair but unfortunately healthy doesn’t necessarily mean picture perfect. Today we’re going to discuss stretch marks, those scar-like lesions that occur on the skin, which are medically known as striae. They’re not heath threatening, but many are terrified by them and their unsightly appearance. They develop during puberty, pregnancy or sudden weight loss or weight gain. Let’s see 10 most common myths about stretch marks and also some natural remedies against stretch marks.

10. Myth: Stretch Marks Only Occur on the Lower Body and Abdomen

This is a very common myth about stretch marks, but it’s just that, a myth. Though the lower body and abdomen are the most common location for striae because of pregnancy or weight gain, they also occur on arms or back. Many bodybuilders get them on their biceps and back due to their ever-expanding muscles.

9. Myth: Losing Weight Will Get Rid of Them

Come on, how could anyone ever think that losing weight will get rid of anything else except fat (and sometimes muscle)? If stretch marks appear on your body, then nothing will make them disappear for good, especially losing weight, because they are basically scars on the dermis on your skin and we all know that we can’t get rid of scars.

8. Myth: Only Women Have Them

This one is another common myth because most stretch marks happen during pregnancy and about 90% of pregnant women will get them at the end of their pregnancy. Men get stretch marks too! They can get them in the exact same places women get them: the buttock, abdomen, arms and legs.

7. Myth: They Never Change

When they are fresh stretch marks have a red or reddish brown color. This color is the color of blood vessels that show through the middle layer of the skin, also called the dermis. As the vessels contract, the stretch marks will become silver, white and may even fade considerably over time. It can take up to 4 years for a stretch mark to go from red to white.

6. Myth: There is Nothing You Can Do to Prevent Them

Although there can be hormonal causes of stretch marks, the most common causes are rapid weight gain and this can definitely be prevented. Also, 8 glasses of water every day will improve hydration and improve the skin’s elasticity, helping it be more resilient. Vitamin C and zinc encourages the production of collagen and will help maintain your skin firm.

5. Myth: They Are Caused Only by the Stretching of Skin

It’s obvious even to the untrained eye that stretch marks are caused by the stretching of the skin, but that is not the only reason why they happen. Hormones have a pretty important part in the formation of stretch marks. For example, they can influence the formation of collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis, which translates in making your skin stronger or less strong.

4. Myth: Health Insurance Covers Treatment for Them

One of the most popular myths about stretch marks is that health insurance covers treatment for stretch marks. Well, wouldn’t that be nice, to have the government pay for your stretch mark-free tummy?! It’s just a myth, as stretch marks are only a cosmetic concern and do not pose any health risks.

3. Myth: Thin People Don’t Get Stretch Marks

Of course they do! Most teenagers will get stretch marks due to the hormonal changes they go through. During adolescence the body does not only grow, but the hormones go haywire, which can cause stretch marks, in addition to other skin and behavioral changes. Stretch marks should be the least of the teen’s problems.

2. Myth: Tanning Will Remove Stretch Marks

Tanning does not get rid of stretch marks, it only covers them up. In some cases, such as the ones where the stretch marks are white, tanning will actually have the reverse effect and will make them appear even whiter, as the healthy skin around them darkens. Stretch marks do not tan!

1. Myth: You Can Get Rid of Them

You cannot get rid of them! They will fade and lighten, but you are stuck with them forever. You can have expensive treatment to remove them, but even laser does not have a 100% success rate. So, think of them as badges of honor! You’ve survived adolescence! You’ve made it through a pregnancy! Congratulations on your stretch marks! Now forget about them and go focus on something that really matters to you.

Do you still believe any of these myths about stretch marks? Do you know more myths that you would like to share with us? Drop us a line in the comment section below, we love hearing from our readers!